First papal election after I exited Catholicism. As soon as I heard there was white smoke, I did turn to CNN on my computer at work since I knew no one would nag at me for it as long as I got my work done.

I did enjoy seeing the Swiss Guard do their drill and ceremony, and the carabinieri in their 18th century hats and the big spooky bell. Once I saw the pope, he looked like any other pope. A friend of mine asked my opinion on him and I said not only did I not really have one, it didn't matter that I didn't have one because he has nothing to do with me.

I subject myself only to the pawpal authority of Pope Happycat, who is still reigning benignly in the Catican.

Comments

This is my first Papal election since returning to Catholicism. I'm not much for pomp and ceremony, though, one way or the other. I'd be just as happy if they got together in the upstairs room of a local trattoria and held the election there.